Viktor Gyokeres' message to Arsenal star speaks volumes as £63.8million deal nears completion
Viktor Gyokeres showed just how laid-back and light-hearted he can be when he claimed that Gabriel Magalhaes stole his celebration last year. Arsenal ran out 5-1 winners over Sporting CP during a Champions League clash in November, with Gabriel finding the back of the net in stoppage time as the first half drew to a close.
Declan Rice whipped the ball into the box from a corner as Gabriel met it in the air with ferocity to nod home, before wheeling away in celebration and covering his face with his interlocked hands. While Gyokeres is known for a similar celebration, in which he covers his mouth with his hands, Gabriel opted to cover his own eyes, seemingly nodding to the star striker's signature commemoration with a twist.
However, Gyokeres didn't seem to be too phased by Gabriel's showmanship after the fixture, telling ViaPlay:"Gabriel's celebration? He's welcome to steal it if he can't create his own celebration! I didn't know he did that, but it's fun he likes my celebration."
As per reports, Gabriel opted for the celebration as payback for Pedro Goncalves mimicking Granit Xhaka's patented move of choice during a Europa League penalty shootout between Arsenal and Sporting back in 2023. However, there is no actual confirmation from Gabriel as to whether this was the case.
Gyokeres's lack of a reaction to the celebration shows just how down-to-earth and easy-going he can be, despite recent criticism for pushing for a move to Arsenal this summer. For context, he refused to turn up for pre-season training with the Leoes while promising never to play for his current club again.
With 39 goals and eight assists contributing to Sporting's Liga Portugal title last season, the 27-year-old Striker has become a top target among Premier League clubs as of recent. The Swede initially found himself wanted by both Manchester United and Arsenal as the summer window opened, but was quick to give favour to the Gunners, who are in dire need of an out-and-out No. 9 at present.
Mikel Arteta was forced to deploy makeshift tactics for large parts of 2024/25 after Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz were sidelined through injury, with midfielder Mikel Merino even enjoying a cameo up top. Determined not to suffer a repeat situation of being left without a striker in 2025/26, Arsenal have found themselves heavily linked with securing Gyokeres' services over the past few weeks.
And it appears as though the Gunners are now on the verge of finally sealing a deal with Sporting over their talisman, with reports suggesting that the two clubs have agreed a £63.8million move. It is said that Arsenal will pay an initial £55.1m as a guaranteed fee, as well as £8.7m in add-ons for Gyokeres, who is expected to complete a medical in north London.
If successful, Gyokeres is expected to fly out to join the Gunners on their pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong. Arsenal kicked off their pre-season preparations with a 1-0 win over AC Milan at Singapore National Stadium on Wednesday, starman Bukayo Saka making the difference in the 53rd minute.
Arteta's squad will now gear up for a thrilling encounter with Newcastle United, who have travelled without Alexander Isak amid speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool, at the same ground on Sunday. The north London side will then travel to the Kai Tak Sports Park to face Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday, before returning to the Emirates Stadium to take on Villarreal on August 6.
Arsenal will then take on Athletic Club three days later in the final of the Emirates Cup, before turning their attention to Manchester United on August 17 as they kickstart their 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
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